Gerrard confident Liverpool will bounce back

Steven Gerrard believes the almost relentless recent criticism of Liverpool has pulled the squad closer together.

The Reds tackle Charlton at The Valley tonight in a Barclays Premiership clash crucial to both sides' Champions League hopes.

The two clubs, locked on the same number of points, are seven behind fourth-placed Everton but Gerrard is confident of closing the gap.

The Anfield captain told the club's official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv: "Some of the criticism has been fair and justified but on the whole it has been a bit over the top.

"The funny thing is, it actually makes us stronger. You tend to close ranks in situations like that and this is exactly what has happened.

"There had been a lot of things going wrong but we managed to put them right against Watford in the Carling Cup semi-final and now we need to build on that for the game against Charlton."

But Gerrard accepts that Athletic will provide stiff opposition, adding: "Charlton always make it difficult for you on their home patch.

"They had a bit of a slow start but I always knew they would eventually make their way up the table.

"They have got a fantastic manager in Alan Curbishley and a real steady, strong, team that includes some very good players. It was only a matter of time before their fortunes improved and they put a winning run together.

"We will have to be on our toes and be ready for them but if we can show the same characteristics that we showed against Watford then I am sure we will be able to come away with the right result."

And boss Rafael Benitez believes that a complete week of training, plus the victory over Watford, has improved the atmosphere at the club and the team's confidence.

He said: "The players, staff and supporters are far happier now and we will try to continue the fire we showed in the cup semi-final.

"We have talked about the situation and we have worked hard all week in training without distraction, and the confidence is far better."

Liverpool will be without suspended Dietmar Hamann as he serves a one-match ban for accumulating five bookings.

That could see Igor Biscan in a central midfield role alongside Gerrard, which is likely to be the only change from the side that beat Watford last week.

Spanish winger Antonio Nunez is serving the last of a three-match suspension for being sent off at Burnley a fortnight ago but Liverpool could have Vladimir Smicer back after he played 30 minutes of a reserve match at Aston Villa following a six-month lay off after a knee operation.

Anthony Le Tallec, back from a loan spell at St Etienne, could be included in the squad after playing the full 90 minutes against Villa reserves.

Neil Mellor suffered a knee problem before that reserve game and could also be doubtful for the Charlton trip, while Sami Hyypia - who missed the Watford game with a hip injury - is also likely to be involved.